Part-Time Financial Planning Analyst – Cost Accountant (3 Days per Week)Location: Drogheda, Co. LouthNature's Best is the leading producer of vegetable-based Chilled Convenience Foods in Ireland, supplying both Own Label and Branded Products to major supermarket chains. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, all our products are prepared fresh each day in our purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility in Drogheda – delivering Nature's Best straight from Farm to Fork.We are now seeking applications for a Part-Time Financial Planning Analyst – Cost Accountant to join our team on-site 3 days per week. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional seeking a flexible role while making a real impact in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.About the RoleThe successful candidate will partner closely with senior stakeholders across the business to deliver robust financial insights, drive cost efficiencies, and support continuous improvement initiatives. You will take full ownership of product costing and gross margin analysis while providing operational and strategic support to leadership.This role will involve a balance of desk-based financial analysis and factory-floor engagement (up to 40% of time spent on-site gathering data and liaising with production teams).Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness PartneringWork alongside the Managing Director, Finance Director, and senior leadership to support operations and decision-making.Provide detailed financial analysis for cost-saving, capital investment, and innovation projects.Operational & Performance ReportingCollaborate with the Factory Manager to identify and implement continuous improvements.Analyse and report on manufacturing performance, KPIs, and efficiencies.Develop and manage line and product efficiency models to support operational improvements.Product Costings & Margin AnalysisOwn and maintain accurate product costing by SKU, including BOM management.Deliver gross margin reporting, analysis, and reconciliations (weekly and monthly).Support the commercial and finance teams with new product launch costings and profitability modelling.Ad Hoc & Project SupportContribute to CAPEX evaluations and other project-based financial reviews.Assist in systems reviews and process improvements.Duties IncludeWeekly product costing and gross margin reporting.Promotional and process costing.Labour, KPI, and efficiency analysis.Overhead analysis.CAPEX project costing.Continuous review of systems and reports to drive best practices.Key RequirementsEssential:3+ years' experience in a cost accounting or financial planning role within a manufacturing environment.Strong financial analysis and modelling skills (variance analysis, forecasting, simulations).Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, charting, databases).Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.Ability to balance strategic insight with hands-on operational support.Desirable:Third level degree in Accounting, Finance, or Food Science.Experience in FMCG or food manufacturing.Knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL).Experience implementing software or report automation.What We're Looking ForA proactive, detail-oriented finance professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. You will demonstrate a "can-do" approach, with the ability to spot and act on cost-saving opportunities while delivering clear insights to both finance and non-finance colleagues.Role TypePart-Time: 3 days per week, on-site in DroghedaSplit between office-based analysis and factory-floor engagementJob Type: Part-timeExpected hours: 24 per weekBenefits:Bike to work schemeOn-site parkingWork Location: In person